NASA currently plans to return astronauts to the moon by 2018. Other countries or even private groups may well have similar goals. It is sensible to assume that one day the question of lunar ownership could become quite significant. So, who owns the moon?

There are many individuals and groups that lay claim to the moon. Some have been quite successful in selling parts of it. But do any of them have a legitimate claim? Furthermore, should anyone even have the right to claim ownership? Should it be in the hands of governments, or individuals? Should the USA be able to make a claim because they reached it first? Should ownership go to the first people to maintain a permanent colony on the moon? Or should it be settled the old fashioned way, and belong to whoever is currently managing to occupy it?

Here's a couple of links relating to the issue:

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/space/11/20/lunar.land/

http://www.lunarregistry.com/info/embassy.shtml

I'm curious as to your thoughts.

Andy

02-07-2006, 03:50 AM

Whoever is the first to colonise it, surely?

Vera

02-07-2006, 03:56 AM

The correct answer is humanity.

the_GoDdEsS

02-07-2006, 04:00 AM

I think you can already buy a piece of land on Mars.

Paint_It_Black

02-07-2006, 04:17 AM

The correct answer is humanity.

But that isn't the realistic answer. If we reach the point where it becomes a lot easier to get there, such an idealistic notion of it belonging to "humanity" isn't going to do much good when it faces humanity's greed and desire to own things.

reader

02-07-2006, 04:30 AM

It's the '"common heritage of mankind.' per Moon Treaty Art.10(1). Although the US isn't signatory. But America's manifest destiny cannot extend into space.

If those title deeds to 'pieces' of the moon were attempted to be enforced before a court, they would be null and void.

But that isn't the realistic answer. If we reach the point where it becomes a lot easier to get there, such an idealistic notion of it belonging to "humanity" isn't going to do much good when it faces humanity's greed and desire to own things.
Of course it's idealistic but I think it also needs to be. If we reach a point where we HAVE TO move there, then shouldn't belong to any country or association in particular but to the global community as a whole.

Paint_It_Black

02-07-2006, 05:30 AM

Of course it's idealistic but I think it also needs to be. If we reach a point where we HAVE TO move there, then shouldn't belong to any country or association in particular but to the global community as a whole.

I agree that it should work that way. I just don't think it will.

Sin Studly

02-07-2006, 05:39 AM

If the moon posted on this bbs, I would own it.

Mannen som blev en gris

02-07-2006, 08:14 AM

What if someone on another planet is selling parts of the Earth? "Right, well, I bought this on the internet, so this little thing you call 'America' is mine." But honestly, who owns the stars? Because since you can name them (www.mystar.se) someone should own them.

Everyone know that the moon was purchased by Bill Gates over 10 years ago. :rolleyes:

P.S. And yes, I did read all the posts and articals.

Preocupado

02-07-2006, 09:48 AM

Who wants a piece of the moon? It's so ugly and boring. If it was a green or a purple planet, though...

Besides, we can't let other humans settle facilities in there. Whoever does that will immediately start thinking about throwing shit on Earth, just like our ancestors did in trees.

You may not know this but Armstrong's first thought when he glared at Earth was: He-hey! I should built a catapult in here!

All About Eve

02-07-2006, 10:21 AM

I'm sure some treaty between nations that allows for bending of articles/statements and prolonged bickering will eventually be forged.

Endymion

02-07-2006, 10:25 AM

of course things are going to change, but until space travel is a) faster, b) safer, c) cheaper, no one's going to drop the "we love peace" outward appearance.

coke_a_holic

02-07-2006, 01:04 PM

The answer is the Martians. This site should clear things up: http://www.mooncertificate.com/

Nineteen Seventy Nine

02-07-2006, 03:13 PM

The Kraft company. They own everything made of cheese.

SaiKYoU

02-07-2006, 03:26 PM

Moon is owned by the CCCP

0r4ng3

02-07-2006, 04:49 PM

The moon, in my opinion, is currently unconquered and unclaimed. Whoever can get there can pick a plot and gain ownership. For example, the US could go and claim like, half the moon. Then, they can buy and sell plots as they please.